Viagra could give researchers a leg up on Ebola and influenza treatments!

Viagra?? Yes, that little blue pill might be the silver bullet in treating viruses and brain cancer! New research suggests that some viruses previously considered ‘untreatable’ could actually be treatable, thanks to Viagra. By targeting a specific protein called GRP78, researchers were able to use Viagra, combined with another drug called AR-12, to prevent viral cells from multiplying.

By working with mice in the laboratory, researchers have shown that this treatment is capable of killing tumor cells while leaving normal tissues unharmed. They also found that the treatment helped reduce brain cancer’s resistance to chemotherapy. Researchers have also seen promising results in human cell cultures.

Think of the possibilities. Ebola, influenza, measles, chikungunya, hepatitis, MRSA- just the beginning. The discovery of the effectiveness of targeting GFP78 could be a game-changer for people affected by some of these nasty diseases. The possibility for treating brain cancer is also exciting!